Leak in mobile meth causes trouble

Published: Monday, April 22, 2013 at 09:20 AM.

A mobile methamphetamine lab was discovered after the device began leaking toxic vapors inside a vehicle, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

Three men were arrested and one was transported to the hospital after the “one-pot” meth lab was found, said Sheriff Alan Norman.

Norman said three men were in the vehicle traveling on the 1700 block of Airport Road when the lab – known as “one-pot” because of its typical production in a plastic soda bottle with pseudoephedrine and several other ingredients – began releasing vapors.

"Some of the vapors escaped and was inhaled by one of the individuals," Norman said.

He said the men pulled off to the side of the road and began dismantling the product in the nearby woods.

The sheriff's office narcotics and patrol division responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle.

Three men were charged with possession of meth and possession of a meth precursor.

A mobile methamphetamine lab was discovered after the device began leaking toxic vapors inside a vehicle, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office.

Three men were arrested and one was transported to the hospital after the “one-pot” meth lab was found, said Sheriff Alan Norman.

Norman said three men were in the vehicle traveling on the 1700 block of Airport Road when the lab – known as “one-pot” because of its typical production in a plastic soda bottle with pseudoephedrine and several other ingredients – began releasing vapors.

"Some of the vapors escaped and was inhaled by one of the individuals," Norman said.

He said the men pulled off to the side of the road and began dismantling the product in the nearby woods.

The sheriff's office narcotics and patrol division responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle.

Three men were charged with possession of meth and possession of a meth precursor.

They were Clinton Andrew Barnes, 21, of 4715 Fargo Trail in Vale, who is being held under a $50,000 secured bond; Joshua Pinkney Mears, 22, of 2509 N.C. 150 in Crouse, held under an $85,000 bond; and Michael Andrew Stager, 32, of 3179 Laboratory Road in Lincolnton, who has a $75,000 bond.

Norman said the man who was taken to the hospital was treated and then released back into law enforcement custody.

All three are being held in the Cleveland County Detention Center.

"We participated, and the SBI was called to dismantle the product and...take the toxic elements away from the location," Norman said.

Reach reporter Rebecca Clark at 704-669-3344 or rclark@shelbystar.com or follow on Twitter @TheStarRebecca.